I've gotten better about wearing sunscreen when I am outdoors, but a lot of times I don't think about protecting my lips from sunburn. Does anyone? I wear lip balm all the time but rarely consider if it is protecting my lips from ultra violent rays of the sun. However, I recently came across Dermatone Moisturizing Lip Protector with SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 23 and decided to give it a try.

This lip balm has a dual role of holding in moisture for your lips to prevent chapping as well as protection from ultra violet sunrays. The lip balm I usually use does not mention having a Sun Protection Factor. Dermatone comes in a small cylindrical tube of 0.15 ounces (4 g), which is blue with a yellow cap. The bottom of the tube rotated to push up a stick of balm for easy application. It's just like using Chapstick.

Dermatone goes on smoothly and is not waxy feeling. It leaves a very thin layer of balm on your lips. There is a slight scent (like petroleum jelly) but not any taste (not that I have eaten any). It does feel moisturizing and seems to last a lot longer than the cheaper lip balms. I have been happy with this as a moisturizing product.

I have a harder time judging about its sun protection effectiveness. I have not experienced sunburn on lips when wearing it, which should indicate at least some effectiveness. But it's hard for me to make a comparison of results between using it and not using it. Dermatone provides a full line of skin protection products and has been in business since 1981, which indicates market acceptance of its products (at least to me).

I paid $1.99 for this 0.15 ounce tube, which somewhat expensive. However if it is working I don't mind spending the money. And it will probably last me a good six months since I don't use it more than two or three times per week.

The designation of SPF 23 indicates that this product will protect you skin from sunburn for 23 times however many minutes your skin normally takes to burn. For example, if you usually burn in 12 minutes this will provide you with about 4-1/2 hours of protection. The amount of time it takes to burn can vary a lot though; it depends on how sunny it is and at what elevation you are at.

Dermatone Moisturizing Lip Protector has three active ingredients as follows: Padimate O, Benzophenone 3, and Petrolatum. It is for external use only and should not be used on children. You should stop using it if you develop a rash or any irritation from the product.

Overall I like Dermatone Moisturizing Lip Protector and recommend it. My impression is that it is a good product and it's never a bad idea to protect yourself from too much sun exposure. This product is sold both in the US and Canada but it may be hard to find since I have only seen it in sporting goods stores and it is sold in a couple different sizes, as well as in a small tin. I have not seen Dermatone products in large discount stores. If skin protection is important and you spend time in the outdoors it may be worth searching for it.

Dermatone Laboratories Inc.
Windsor Lock CT 06096
Tel: (800) 225-7546

http://www.dermatone.com/

© trailhound. 2005.

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